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BALI WITHOUT BOUNDSWHERE TO EAT, STAY AND PLAY IN BALI

WORDS | CHRISTINA NEWBERRY

BA L I I S A L A N D O F C O N T R A S T S : mountains and valleys, beach clubs and rice paddies, local noodle shops and upscale modern restaurants. Here, we look at three prime areas for

those who want to discover Bali without bounds.

JIMABARAN

Luxury resorts nestle up to a charming fishing village on this southwestern stretch of white-sand beaches and sparkling sea known as Bali’s Golden Mile.STAY: AYANA RESORT AND SPA

With private plunge pools, personal butlers certified by the UK Guild and priority access to the stunning Rock Bar perched cliffside 45 feet above the sea, the private villas on this 220-acre estate live up to the resort’s name, meaning “place of refuge.” EAT: CUCA

Chef Kevin Cherkas, who trained at Arzak, El Bulli and La Broche, combines local ingredients and Western cooking styles to create tapas and tasting menus for an intimate meal with plenty of sharing. DO:

Explore Balinese culture, from temples to traditional markets. >

CUCA AYANA RESORT AND SPA

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UBUDAway from the beaches, this central Bali town is a hub of traditional artisans and craftspeople, and home to the Royal Palace and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.STAY: VICEROY BALI

The private helipad makes it easy to arrive at one of the 25 luxury villas, each with its own private pool, at this ridge-top resort overlooking the Valley of the Kings. EAT: LOCAVORE

Book well in advance to snag a table at this fine-dining restaurant where chefs Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah showcase sustainably sourced local ingredients in downtown Ubud.DO:

Shop for local arts and crafts, and attend a performance of Balinese dance.

WHEN TO GO

Travel April to September to avoid the rainy season, but watch for peak crowds starting in June. Bali is known for its festivals throughout the year. If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of these highlights.

RICE HARVEST FESTIVAL:

Festivities to honour the rice goddess at the end of the harvest season include buffalo cart races with colourful decorations, May through June.

BALI ARTS FESTIVAL:

A parade kicks off this month-long festival of traditional arts, crafts and dance, giving visitors a daily chance to explore the local culture, June through mid-July.

BALI KITE FESTIVAL:

Teams from around the island compete with traditional giant kites up to 30-feet long. Originally meant to ask the Hindu gods to provide a bountiful harvest, the festival has become a colourful competition, July.

CANGGU

This surfing hotspot offers a glimpse into local life along the active fishing beaches and rolling green rice paddies.STAY: TUGU BALI

The Puri Le Mayeur Villa has been called the most romantic place on the island for its red canopies, private plunge pool, semi-outdoor copper bath and intimate dining space perched over a lotus pond with sunset views of the Indian Ocean. EAT: WAROENG TUGU

Head to the hotel’s Waroeng Tugu to dine on traditional Indonesian food prepared by Chef Ibu Soelastri, who has cooked for several of Indonesia’s presidents. DO:

Grab a surfboard and take to the waves, or explore the rice paddies on horseback.

living | Travel

AYANA RESORT AND SPA

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